NFL Makes Punishment Decision After Sam Darnold Play

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

NFL Makes Punishment Decision After Sam Darnold Play

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 24, 2026 5:57 PM ET

Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks enter Sunday Night Football looking to end a two-game losing streak. They have a tough matchup taking on the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.

It has been an underwhelming stretch for Darnold, who has not looked like himself since returning from a glute injury. Over his last three games, the 29-year-old journeyman has thrown for three touchdowns and five interceptions while completing just 57% of his pass attempts.

His struggles have opened a narrative about whether the Seahawks should make a change at the position, but given he just took Seattle to the Super Bowl, that is unlikely.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) Amber Searls-Imagn Images

During Seattle’s loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 6, Darnold and the Seahawks’ final drive of the fourth quarter ended with a field goal that sent the game to overtime, where they ultimately lost. During the drive Darnold did what he needed to, getting the team into field goal range.

However, he could have had a chance to score a touchdown had the officials not missed a blatant roughing the passer penalty. On the second play of the drive, Darnold completed a pass to tight end AJ Barner.

After releasing the ball he was drilled by Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton, but it did not result in a flag, which would have gifted Seattle 15 free yards. Singleton was still punished by the league.

The NFL announced the fines for Week 6 and Singleton was included, getting fined $23,882 for unnecessary roughness on his hit on Darnold.

NFL announces that #Broncos LB Alex Singleton fined $23,882 for unnecessary roughness for a hit on Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold in the final minute of Oct. 15 game vs. Seahawks after he released ball. Singleton was not penalized on the play. It was same play that Jonah Elliss…
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) October 24, 2026

Per the NFL fines and appeals schedule, this was Singleton’s first offense for impermissible use of the helmet. A repeat violation this season would carry a heavier fine of $47,762.

As for Darnold, Sunday night is a chance to reset. A win over the undefeated Chiefs would quiet the noise quickly.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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